HIGH NOON ROTARY

December 14, 2000

We began as we always do, posed at all the possibilities of what Rotary can bring. Tom was again in his appointed place. Tom opened the meeting by asking Charlie Albert to open with prayer and pledge. He then asked for a report from the Caring Committee. We heard that Roy Crow will be going into surgery on the 21st to deal with his Gallbladder problems. We also heard that Bill Maurer is gaining his strength back from the most recent bouts of chemotherapy.

We introduced guests and we had a bunch this day. Arvella Higby and John Higby joined Chessa for lunch. The proud mom Chessa then introduced Cadet Tylan Gilbert, a Cadet at the Air Force Academy. Justin Bradshaw was with us to check us out. Wonder what he felt after this meeting? Jack Walls was with us again for lunch. We had Kathy Kittrell, Paul Wilbert, Bill Carver, Jill Zgainer with us as our program from the Childrens Museum. Visiting Rotarians included our next District Governor, Bill Tarpley, evening club members Mark Wherry, Jim Reser, Clyde Church, Joe Colgan, Marv Dworkin, and a man from Montrose, Bill Tesch. Last but not least was Sherry Tabor who was seeing what we have to offer.

Tom then mentioned the great Fireside Chat that was held at his home. There were about thirty folks who showed up to learn of Rotary and our club. Tom said it was an enjoyable evening and he looks forward to doing it again.

We then had the honor of inducting our newest member. Jill Bruce took the floor to ask Bob Volger to make the introduction. Bob read a bit of the man's resume which indicates that this man wants to be involved in giving back to the community where he works. So who is this man? It is Russell Parker, the manager at Wal-Mart. Russell said he was honored to become a member of our group. He then asked Ward Holmes to come forward so that Russell could present a check to the United Way for $2,635. Ward noted that his name was misspelled on the check.

Tom offered the opportunity for folks to spend the night on Red Mountain at his brother in law's lodge. Tom also asked if anyone wanted to organize a ski day at Purgatory. Great ways to get to know our fellow Rotarians. Ward Holmes then mentioned that Project Merry Christmas is wrapping up. They need volunteers to help box items and do some other odd jobs at the old armory or Gold Rush Gymnastics site. Ward mentioned a blanket drive that Pattie Burkholder is leading on Saturday. Ward said that Pennys had eight dollar blankets and it was pointed out that maybe WalMart might have them cheaper. Russell did offer seven dollars. Robin mentioned that maybe we could give the money to Russell and he could get the blankets for the club. Ward did offer to pick up the collection of blankets. A hat was passed and $343 was collected. Tom thanked Dave Brooks for the great Christmas party. Karen noted that $4343 was raised by the event. Wayne Bedor and Mike Matheson have not paid and they will need to pay double if not paid up by next week. Bill Wright was thanked for his portrayal of Santa. Nancy was thanked for her posters and Charlie clarified that we have received a Rotary International grant to help us buy an ambulance for the Santa Theresa Hospital in Central America. Tom clarified the other poster which showed how our club help provided 90,000 breakfasts to kids in Mexico.

Kevin was given the floor and did he ever do a great job of fining. All the folks that were not at the Christmas party were fined. Cathy Crum was sold her luncheon badge. Carl was asked to tell

a joke for which he was fined a buck. Jim Reser was fined two bucks for telling a joke that was worse. Jill Bruce was fined for plugging her business during the introduction of Russell Parker. There was a bunch of humorous remarks about that fine. Bob Volger won the ticket drawing. He was given the chance to fine those who were interrupting him during his introduction of Russell Parker. He did not levy fines so he was fined. Wynn was fined for his public proposal to Linda Mack. He did this in front of the members of the Choral Society on the stage at Fort Lewis. Bill Wright agreed to pay for his 49th wedding anniversary. Melissa and Karen were fined for pictures and Robin was fined for the article on Brian Meyers. Ellen paid for her article in the Herald.

We then heard a proposal to turn the old Power Plant into a Childrens Museum. The intent is to make the plant built in the 1890's into an interactive learning experience for kids. The proposal would be to repair the building and create an event plaza, an interactive fountain for kids, a café, a carousal, a garden railroad and lots of parking. They are basing their plans on the rapid growth the museum has experienced and the need for added space to meet these needs. They have developed plans and volunteers to help them on their way. Thanks Paul and Jill.

ONE FINAL NOTE: "Strength lies in differences, not in similarities."

2000 - 2001 DIRECTORS

Pete Sanders - Past President

Steve Wheeldon - President-Elect

Steve Govreau - Club Service

Chessa Gill - Vocational Service

Jeff Brown - Community Service

Tom Brossia - International Service

Charlie Albert - World Service Projects

Jill Bruce - Membership

Marv Collentine - Programs

Joe Thompson - Club Bulletin

Kevin Bruce - Sergeant at Arms

Ward Holmes - Public Relations

Steve Redding - Director

Mike Matheson - Director

Paulette Church - Director

OFFICERS

Tom Galbraith-President

Steve Wheeldon-President-Elect

Margaret Gray-Secretary

Mark Seiter-Treasure

NEARBY

ROTARY CLUBS

Durango: Tuesday, 6:30 P.M.

Strater Hotel

Cortez: Monday, 6:30 P.M.

Elks Lodge

Dolores: Tuesday, 6:30 P.M.

Ponderosa Restaurant

Farmington: Thursday, 11:45 A..M.

Holiday Inn

Pagosa Springs: Thursday, 11:45 A.M.

Pagosa Lodge

Telluride: Monday, 6:30 P.M.

Lyons Club